Dark Summer

CHAPTER 11

"DOES IT HURT?" PACO ASKED AS he rubbed the salve into the open wounds on his back. "Cry out if you like, Joseph. It would be no shame. You're not twelve yet, and I've had men weep with the pain of this salve."

It did hurt. The sting was bringing the tears to his eyes. He bit his lip. "I told you, old man, my name's not Joseph. I won't take anything from that bastard."

"Well, you took something from him tonight. You took a hard beating. I thought you were unconscious when I found you in those rocks tonight," Paco said. "What did your father use on you?"

"His belt."

"Why?"

"I flushed his heroin down the toilet."

"That would do it. Now, what am I to call you? Should I make up a name? I'm good at that. My magic will bring you luck."

"I'll make up my own name." He shuddered as Paco's finger moved over the lacerated flesh. "And I don't need your magic. It's all phony anyway."

"Is it?" Paco asked. "You don't believe in magic?"

"No. It's all lies." He closed his eyes. "If you had any real powers, you'd be rich and bossing everyone around and not living on this stinking reservation."

"Is that what you'd do?"

His hands clenched into fists. "Yes. I'd climb so high no one would ever hurt me again. I'd make them all pay."

"So much bitterness. It's a good thing you're not a Diyi. You're like a wild animal, ready to destroy the world."

"Better than a liar, old man."

"If I don't have a magic, why will your back be healed by my salve tomorrow?"

"Herbs aren't magic either. I could probably scratch in the dirt and mix up a better salve."

"Could you? Perhaps I should let you try, you ungrateful whelp."

"I didn't ask you to help me. You're the one who made me come to this cave." His lids opened, and his gaze wandered to the fire a few feet away. The flames were casting shadows on the wall of the cave, and the smell of the wood and mesquite was acrid in his nostrils. "It's as dirty as my father's shack on the reservation."

"Caves are not supposed to be clean. The Great Spirit told me so. They are all part of the earth cycle, Joseph."

"My name's not Joseph. And all that earth bull is an excuse for being lazy."

Paco chuckled. "That's true. How smart of you to see through me."

"It's not hard. I don't know why the elders don't tell everyone what a faker you are."

"They have to believe in something. There's not much left." He capped the vial of salve. "And I'm a truly wondrous faker."

"You admit it?

"Why not? You wouldn't believe anything else, Jos-What shall I call you?"

"Jude."

Paco's thick gray brows rose. "Jude? Why?"

"I like the Beatles."

Paco still looked puzzled.

" 'Hey, Jude,' " he said impatiently. "The song. Don't you know anything?"

"I must have missed that one. Are you taking a last name from the Beatles?"

"No. I found a name in one of those baby-name books at the drugstore in town. Marrok."

"It has a good sound. I heard your mother was Spanish, wasn't she? Is Marrok Spanish?"

"Why would I want to call myself something because of her?" he asked scornfully. "She didn't care anything about me."

"Not Spanish." Paco sat back on his heels. "French?"

Jude was silent and then said, "Marrok was a knight from King Arthur's court."

"A knight? Now that surprises me. It's a little tame."

Jude was immediately defensive. "Not one of those wimpy knights. Marrok was different."

"How different?"

"He was a werewolf."

"And you like werewolves?"

He shrugged. "Maybe."

Paco smiled. "But werewolves could be considered magical like me."

Jude shook his head. "It's not the same."

Paco was studying him. "Let's see. A werewolf is weak, without power, until he becomes the beast. Then he takes his victims by surprise and shreds and finally kills them. You must feel very weak when your father whips you like this."

"I'm not weak."

"But if you became a werewolf, you wouldn't be a victim any longer, would you?"

Jude got to his knees and reached for his shirt. "I'm going now."

"Yes, it's time." Paco said. "Come back tomorrow, and I'll put on some more salve."

"I don't need it."

"That's right, you told me that. Come back anyway. I might have use for a werewolf to test my potions."

"You're making fun of me."

"No, I wouldn't dare. You might tear me apart… Marrok."

"I might." He stood up. "And I might not, old man."

"My name is Paco. I may be old in your eyes, but I don't like to be reminded of it." He turned away. "And I'm not joking. A fierce cub like you might be a fine apprentice."

"Why? I don't believe in your magic. I won't lie and say I do."

"I know. But you amuse me. I can find something for you to do. Will your father let you come to me?"

"Yes."

Paco smiled. "Or you'll turn into a werewolf and tear him apart?"

"Yes."

"Then I believe we must see that you stay away from him. I'll talk to the elders in the council."

The old man really meant it, Jude realized. Unless he was only playing with him. "Why are you doing this?"

"Not out of kindness. I'm not a kind man. Perhaps I want to see if I can convince you that I have true magic."

Jude shook his head.

"Or maybe I'm wondering if you'll turn on me and let loose all that bitterness and ferocity. I don't believe I've ever seen anyone with all that stored hatred. It will be interesting."

Jude stared at him. What could he say? Hope was beginning to unfold deep within him. "That's not all. What do you want from me? I'll pay my way. Do you need drugs? I'll go to Nakadano and get them for you."

Paco shook his head. "If I want smoke dreams, I'll make my own." He pulled the blanket closer around him. "Go away. I want to sleep now. I know you won't stay tonight. You'll want to go up to those rocks where I found you. You'll hide, you'll think, and you'll fume. Such a waste of time. Then you'll come back…"

"Maybe."

"No maybe. You'll come back, Jude Marrok… "

PACO.

Marrok opened his eyes and stared into the darkness. He hadn't dreamed about Paco for years. Not since he had come to terms with his death. Why now?

He got out of bed and moved toward the window and threw it open. The air was cool on his naked body, and he took a deep breath.

Jude Marrok doesn't sound like an Indian name, Devon had said.

Just a sentence, and all those memories from his childhood had tumbled back.

She was coming too close to him in many ways. Sex was basic, sex was safe. Memories were never safe. They twisted, they turned, and became something that could change and disturb.

Yet he wouldn't send her away. The lust was too intense. He was in a fever, and he could handle the rest.

Paco was gone. That bitter boy he'd been all those years ago had matured. Yet Devon had come into his life, and there were suddenly both here with him.

It was okay. He could handle it.

"YOUR ADDIE IS LIVING IN ONE of those houses?" Devon was looking out the window of the he li cop ter down at the huge mansions below them. "She must be spoiled rotten."

"She's a golden retriever. It's hard to spoil a retriever."

"No, it's not. They just make it so appealing you don't mind doing it." Devon shook her head as the he li cop ter started to descend. "These are incredible estates and the views…"

"It's the Seventeen Mile Strip. Some of the priciest real estate on the coast." He pointed to a huge mansion on a hill overlooking the Pacific. "That's Addie's place."

Devon gave a low whistle. "That's some kennel."

"And guarded like Fort Knox. The own er is a billionaire, and everything he owns is treated like the Hope diamond."

"How did you persuade him to take on Addie? Is he a dog lover?"

"Yes. And he loves his wife even more. She's the one who took Addie for me." He paused. "Though I didn't tell her why I wanted her to do it."

Devon shook her head. "Marrok, you're impossible. You can't go around manipulating people to suit yourself. It's not right or fair."

"I know." He grimaced. "I thought it best. And it was good for her, too. But now I have to face the music if I want her to take you in."

"Another homeless stray?"

"Yeah. I guess you could call yourself that. Since I took your home away from you."

There was a note in his voice that caused her to look at him. "Danner took my home."

"Domino effect." He reached for his phone. "I've got to tell her we're coming in, or we'll have the security boys all over us."

"I'd appreciate that," Walt said dryly.

Marrok dialed the number and waited until it was answered. "We're right above you. Tell Security, okay?" He hung up. "Sarah sounded tense. We may have a problem."

"Sarah?" Devon asked.

"Sarah Logan, Addie's guardian." He pointed to a woman standing on a pad beside the house and looking up at the helicopter. "There she is."

Devon could only make out a tall, slim woman with sun-streaked brown hair blowing in the wind from the rotors. "Sarah Logan… I've heard that name…"

"I thought you might have. And it wasn't on the society pages," Marrok said. "Sarah and John live a very quiet life."

"No, it wasn't in the newspaper." The helicopter had landed, and she was getting a closer look at the woman striding toward them. It wasn't only Sarah Logan's name that was familiar. It was the way she carried herself; she moved with strength and litheness, and her gaze fixed on Marrok was direct and a little belligerent. "She doesn't look pleased to see you."

"Hold on to your hat," he murmured as he helped her from the copter. "We're about to see a few fireworks." He smiled. "Kind of you to come to meet us, Sarah. This is Devon Brady. She's a vet."

"Nothing's wrong with my dogs. I don't need her." She added coolly, "And I don't need you either, Marrok. Go away. You're not taking Addie."

"You always knew it was a temporary arrangement. You were only doing me a favor."

"She's doing fine with us. You're not taking her."

Suddenly it clicked for Devon. "Turkey. An earthquake disaster rescue mission. Years and years ago. It was only my second rescue mission. You were on one of the search and rescue teams from California." She frowned, trying to remember. "You had a golden retriever…"

"Monty," Marrok supplied.

"That's right," Devon said. "What a beautiful boy… But I never ran across you again on any other mission."

"I only went on one other rescue mission after that," Sarah said. "Monty was getting too old for the strain of the trips." She looked at Marrok. "Indonesia. That's where I met Marrok. He was there with Ned. We got to know each other very well." Her lips twisted. "We had a good deal in common. We both have Indian blood."

"I need to talk to you alone, Sarah," Marrok said.

"It's not going to do you any good. You're not taking Addie."

"That's not why I'm here. I may have to take her someday. But that's not going to happen right now."

Devon could see the tension ebb away from Sarah. "Then, dammit, why didn't you say so?"

"You didn't ask. You just jumped to conclusions."

"Well, then come back to the house." She turned to Devon. "I'm sorry. I was rude. But Marrok was his usual noncommittal self and was worrying the hell out of me."

"I can sympathize."

Sarah studied her, then nodded. "I can see how you would." She turned. "Come around to the back verandah, and we'll talk, Marrok."

"Alone," Marrok repeated. "We'll drop Devon off at the grounds, where she can meet Addie and the others."

"Why don't you want her?" Sarah narrowed her eyes on his face. "What are you up to?"

"We may have some negotiating to do. Devon doesn't have to be involved." He added, "And you may start cursing me when I do a little explaining. Devon would get too much satisfaction from that."

"You may be right," Devon said.

Sarah nodded. "Okay, the dogs are right off the verandah. They have the run of the grounds." She led them around the house. "There they are."

Three dogs were tearing around the grounds, their tails pluming behind them. "Addie is the red golden." She slanted a glance at Marrok. "You can see she's well taken care of."

"I never doubted it."

Devon stiffened. "Dear God, that's not a dog running right behind her. It's a wolf."

Sarah nodded. "Maggie. But she gets along very well with the dogs."

The third dog was catching up to Addie and nipped at her tail, then turned and joyously streaked away.

"And what dog is that?" Devon asked.

"Monty." Sarah's gaze was fastened on the dog. "That's my Monty. Isn't he beautiful?"

"Monty?" She remembered Monty. The golden had been loving and a great rescue dog but even when she had seen him years ago he had been declining. "He looks… wonderful."

"Yes," Sarah said. "I put him out to pasture expecting to lose him at any time. But then he seemed to rally and slowly he began to get his energy back. I think it had something to do with Addie."

"You do?" Marrok said warily.

"Having a younger dog to play with seemed to give him a reason to keep on. He should have died a long time ago, but I'm not asking questions. I'm just accepting and hoping desperately for another day, another week. He's always been strong, and now he seems as strong as ever." She turned to Marrok, and said fiercely, "And I won't give Addie up. I won't take a chance on having Monty go into a depression or decline. At his age, every moment is precious."

"Yes, it is," Marrok said. "Go join in the fun, Ned."

The black Lab streaked away and the next moment was in the middle of the pack.

"Devon, we'll be back shortly." Marrok gestured to the verandah. "Let's talk, Sarah."

IT WAS MORE THAN AN HOUR before Devon saw Sarah Logan coming down the steps to the path leading to the grounds. Marrok was not with her.

"Did you send Marrok packing?" Devon asked. "I think I would."

Sarah dropped down on the grass beside Devon and crossed her legs. "I told him to let me talk to you. He has a habit of trying to handle everything himself." Her lips tightened. "Why the hell didn't he tell me about this damn shi'i'go before? Oh no, he let me worry that any minute Monty could take a turn for the worse, and I'd lose him. Secretive bastard."

"He was wrong," Devon said.

"You bet he was. Do you know one of the rules about me taking Addie was that I had to take her to one of the hospitals in the area to visit patients once a week? That was fine; I usually took my own dogs occasionally anyway. Except for Maggie. Wolves weren't welcome." She drew a deep breath. "I could murder him. He could have told me why."

"I agree. But he has Addie and the other dogs to worry about. I suppose he's gotten in the habit of not confiding."

"You're defending him." Sarah was studying her. "I'm surprised, considering all he's put you through."

"I guess I am." Her gaze went to the dogs lying on the grass, panting after their wild play. "Look at them. I love watching dogs. Even when they grow old, you can still see glimpses of youth in them."

"Summer."

Devon nodded. "Summer." She didn't look away from the dogs. "You don't have to take us in. It could put you in danger. I'll understand if you told Marrok that it was impossible."

"I didn't tell him it was impossible," she said. "I told him I'd welcome you and your friends into my home. No dog-killing son of a bitch is going to get Addie." She smiled fiercely. "Or anyone connected with her."

"But I'm not connected with her."

"I think you are." She shook her head. "I can almost see the bond between you and Ned. And the way you're looking at those dogs…"

"That's no proof. You're obviously just as much a dog lover as I am."

"Yes," Sarah said. "But occasionally one dog comes along that takes your heart and won't let go. Monty's always been that dog for me." She paused. "And no matter what Marrok did or does, I'll still be grateful to him for the rest of my life. He didn't have to let me have Addie. But I think he could see how I was hurting for Monty on that last trip. I remember him sitting by the fire with Ned while we were talking one night at that last disaster site in Indonesia. He reached over to pet Monty. He was smiling, and his hands were so gentle…" She cleared her throat. "That was the only time I saw that side of him. He's definitely a rough diamond. But two weeks after we got back to the States, he came and brought Addie. He asked me to take care of her for a little while. He said she was a bit lively, but she had a good heart." She shook her head in wonder. "And I thought I was doing him a favor."

"You were. You became Addie's guardian."

"And he gave me back my Monty." Her eyes were glittering with tears. "That kind of outweighs everything else, doesn't it?"

Devon nodded. "You believe in this panacea?"

"I have to believe in it." Her gaze went back to Monty. "I'm living with it."

"What about Maggie? Is she showing any signs?"

"You saw her. The same strength, the same energy." She paused. "I asked Marrok if maybe this shi'i'go is transferable. If whatever those dogs are emitting is that powerful, couldn't they not only heal but become carriers?"

"What did he say?"

"He said he didn't know enough about it. He'd been too busy just keeping the dogs alive. But I'd like to think that Monty and Maggie could be dogs of summer."

"And what was the response of the patients at the hospital where you took Addie?"

"Most of them became much better. I didn't connect the healing to Addie. And two patients still died. So evidently it's not perfect." Sarah added, "But what is perfect? My old friend, Monty, is still alive and happy. That's good enough for me."

"It wouldn't be good enough for the people who are after the dogs."

"I know. I'm going to talk to John this evening and discuss a way to protect them legally. He's been involved with politics lately and has contacts in the White House. It would have to be handled very discreetly because if word got out, there would factions fighting all over the place."

"It could be too late. Marrok said that Danner was closing in."

"Then that's Marrok's fight. I'll do what I can. He won't have to worry about Addie. I'm doubling the security on the grounds. Marrok said his Bridget was having trouble avoiding them now. By tonight, she'll be stumbling over a guard whenever she turns around. It will take an army to get through the security. Besides, it's handy to have a husband like John, who's so powerful. Anyone who gets in his way has big trouble." She added briskly, "And I'll tell Marrok to send for your two friends. We'll keep you safe."

"Thank you. I appreciate all the trouble you're going through."

"No problem. It all goes with the territory. I believe what Marrok is doing is right, and I've never been able to stop myself from diving in if I believed in a cause. That's why I became a search and rescue worker." She smiled. "And that's probably why you became a vet."

"Yes." The memory of that last trip on the helicopter out of Santa Marina came back to her when she and Hilda Golding were talking about why they kept going to disaster sites.

It was all about life.

And wasn't that what Sarah was talking about now? The panacea was life and worth any amount of risk or sacrifice to keep it safe.

That was what Sarah was going to do.

That was what Bridget was doing. Guarding Camelot from the invaders.

"You're frowning," Sarah said. "Is something wrong?"

She nodded. "I have to think about it."

Sarah got to her feet. "Well, whatever it is, we can fix it. Marrok told me to ask you to meet him at the helicopter with Ned. He said he'd fly you back to the ranch to get Nick Gilroy and your housekeeper. He thought you'd want to talk to them."

"He's right. They've been bounced around without consulting them too much already." Devon slowly stood up. "I'll go get Ned."

"Do that," Sarah's voice was absent as she headed for the house. "I've got to call John…"

Ned was up and playing again, this time with Addie. The black Lab and the golden retriever were a splendid flash of color against the green grass. They had both been Paco's dogs and had probably played together like this on that sun baked earth in Arizona. Ned was obedient. If she called him, he would come to her.

She didn't call him.

Devon moved slowly toward the dogs. Monty and the wolf, Maggie, were standing still, watching her approach. There was no threat, just curiosity in their regard. Their coats were shimmering in the strong sunlight, and their eyes had the same wisdom she had seen in Ned's. Could Sarah's wish have come true? Had just the contact made them one with Marrok's dogs? Or maybe they had been special before, and she was just seeing the reflection she wanted to see. Each dog was unique and golden in its own way.

"Hello," she said softly. "I'm Devon. I won't hurt you."

Ned had seen her and was bounding across the grounds to meet her, barking joyously. Addie skidded to a stop, then turned and ran after him. The next moment, Devon was surrounded by the four animals. They were rubbing against her, making soft sounds deep in their throats. Circling and moving, trying to get closer. Full of love and trying to give it to her.

She stood there and lifted her face to the sun. She felt light as air, as if she could float off into that brilliant blue sky. Her heart was swelling, beating with the sounds and scents of nature. The smell of the grass, the rustle of the wind in the trees…

And with all the love and beauty of the dogs of summer surrounding her.

BRIDGET TENSED, HER GAZE ON Devon Brady standing with the dogs in the grounds below. Something was going on down there. Devon's head was raised as if to drink in the sun. It should have been a peaceful scene, but it wasn't. There was too much going on beneath the surface. Bridget could sense the waves of emotion vibrating from the other woman. She couldn't sort out what they were, but whatever Devon was feeling was incredibly intense.

And emotion that intense couldn't exist without a release that would be explosive.

"What's happening with you, Devon Brady?" she murmured.

Storm clouds.

The sun was shining, but storm clouds seemed to surround the woman with the dogs.

Bridget felt a chill.

It was nothing, she told herself. It wasn't like Fraser. Not yet. She didn't even know Devon Brady very well.

But she could see the darkening of those deadly storm clouds all around her.

"IT'S VERY KIND OF YOU TO COME out here to see me, Detective Enright," Danner said. "Particularly in this time of your great stress."

"I couldn't do anything else," Lester Enright said bluntly. "Not when your friend Caswell dangled such persuasive bait. He said you could get my wife back."

Danner studied him. Yes, he had judged Enright correctly from the reports Caswell had brought him. You could never be sure until you actually were brought face-to-face. He had been aware of the anger, the darkness, beneath that façade he showed the world, but he hadn't sensed the viciousness. Enright would do very well. Now all he had to do was set him up and push the right buttons. "I've noticed you persist in forgetting she divorced you."

"That was a mistake. We're getting back together. Now can you or can you not give me information as to my wife's whereabouts?"

"I was hoping we might cooperate toward reaching that goal."

"You don't know where she is?" Enright started to get to his feet. "Then you're wasting my time."

"Sit back down. I don't know where she is," Danner said. "But I know who she's with. And it's not some cokehead trying to force her to get him crack. I believe you suspected that, didn't you?"

"Did I?" Enright asked warily.

Set him up. "She's run from you before. Only this time she's found someone to keep her entertained. She took the opportunity the robbery at the clinic gave her and bolted."

Enright's face flushed with anger. "This is bullshit."

"I'm not attacking you. I want your help. Think about it. No bodies found at the farm. All of her animals mysteriously disappeared. I'm sure you considered the possibility."

He didn't answer for a moment. "I considered it."

Push the button. "And you want to know who the little whore is sleeping with now."

He didn't answer, but Danner could see the sudden tension of his body. "Marrok. Jude Marrok. Women seem to like him. He certainly has no trouble getting any of them into bed. Particularly not Devon Brady."

"Where is he?" Enright asked hoarsely.

"Well, you see that's the problem. I'm not sure. I don't care anything about your Devon, but I have a score to settle with Marrok. If I can lure your 'wife' into the open, I may be able to get Marrok. Interested?"

"If you can't find them, how can I?"

"I have the money to bribe, but you're a police detective. You have a badge. You can check phone lines, arrange traces, get information that's only available to law enforcement. And you've studied Devon Brady. No one knows her better. You may be able to tell me which way she'll jump."

"And what's in it for me?"

"Ah, the eternal question. Isn't finding Devon Brady enough?"

"Not this time." His lips curled. "She's played her games for the last time with me. She has to be punished."

"I sympathize." Danner leaned back in his chair. "Let me think. I believe I can accommodate you. How would you like to take a little vacation? Say for five or six months? I have a half interest in a drug distribution business in Nigeria and own a wonderful house there. You could be very comfortable. I'd provide you with the funds to ease your way."

"Is that all? I've checked up on you. You're a rich and powerful man. If you want something from me, you're going to pay through the nose. And I don't want to go to Nigeria."

"Yes, you do. Money is everything in those little African towns. For instance, I've been having problems with the local government about distribution of my drugs, and a little discreet bribery and the council just looks the other way."

"What kind of problems?"

"The main drug we distribute is one that's issued to newborn AIDS babies to pump up the immune system. The town council has been complaining that the drugs are diluted and so old that they've lost their potency, that we're buying on the black market."

"Is it true?"

He shrugged. "What difference does it make? Those babies would probably die anyway." He paused. "But I only told you about my solution to a sticky problem to open your eyes to the freedom men like us can have in the right circumstances."

Enright's eyes narrowed on Danner's face. "Freedom?"

Now close the deal. Push the bastard over the edge. "It's still a savage land," Danner said softly. "There are places there you could keep a woman and do anything you wanted with her. Rape, abuse, humiliation of any description. You wanted to punish Devon Brady? I'll give her to you. If you tire of her, you won't find it difficult to have her disappear from the face of the earth."

Enright was silent, but Danner could see the emotion flicker in his expression. He had him.

Enright moistened his lips. "You could be lying. How do I know that would be possible?"

"I spent a pleasant six months there several years ago. It was very entertaining… for me."

"And the woman?"

"It wasn't a woman. I took a young boy who had been stupid enough to be unfaithful to me. He was truly a beautiful young man when he arrived, but that didn't last long."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"It's quite safe, you could never prove it. And I want you to know how much alike we are. The moment I saw you on CNN, I knew that you'd like my house in Nigeria. It's perfect for you and your Devon Brady." He smiled. "I can see the offer excites you. Why not? It's what you've wanted all along, isn't it?"

Enright slowly nodded.

Danner waited, giving him the chance to come the rest of the way himself.

Enright leaned forward. "What do I have to do?"